Singapore Airlines is planning an Airbus A350 cabin facelift, a new first class cabin

Singapore Airlines plans to refurbish the main cabin of its long-haul Airbus A350, including a new first-class cabin that will one day be offered on the world’s longest runways.

On Monday, Singapore announced a $1.1 billion cabin retrofit plan for its A350-900 fleet – which includes both its long-haul and long-haul aircraft.

The work includes refreshed coaches and premium economy cabins, new business class concepts, and – on its long-haul jets – new first-class offerings. Together, the operation will set “new industry standards for travel on the world’s longest routes,” the carrier said in a statement on Monday.

It will also raise the game for an airline that has long offered an aircraft product that ranks among the best in the world.

Singapore’s A350-900 retrofit plans

As part of these changes, Singapore plans to outfit its 7 ultra-long-haul A350-900s with a new first-class cabin, “designed with discerning travelers in mind.” It’s a clear step to tap into the strong demand for premium transportation that’s been reported across the industry.

The carrier released a “sneak peak” rendering on Monday showing a large area of ​​the new seat concept – apparently Singapore’s take on the concept of private airlines increasingly using their premium seats.

But we’ll have to wait until closer to the product launch to really get a look at the bells and whistles of the airline’s new first class.

Singapore operates its A350-900ULR on its longest routes, including the world’s current longest flights from Singapore to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). That means you’ll see a new first-class concept, as well as an upgraded cabin, on those planes in the coming years.

Adding a first class cabin is not entirely new to Singapore. Today, you can book an “F” ticket on its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

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Business class renewal

Meanwhile, as part of the turnaround, Singapore will also unveil a new business class product on its long-haul A350s and long-haul A350s. A limited sneak peek of the carrier’s new seats showed sliding privacy doors as part of the suite concept.

Singapore notes that these products will foreshadow the future design of its upcoming Boeing 777-9 jet it has on order – although Boeing’s new 777X family aircraft continues to face long production delays.

“The new First Class and Business Class seat designs will incorporate thoughtful features that push the boundaries of luxury, comfort, and modernity, allowing our customers to relax or work hard on board,” Singapore CEO Goh Choon Phong said in a statement on Monday.

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Premium economy and coach

It’s not just luxury cabins that are getting an upgrade as part of Singapore’s multi-billion dollar plan.

The carrier plans to “revamp” its premium economy and economy cabins, too.

Throughout the flight, customers will have access to the new KrisWorld inflight entertainment system with more personalization options, the carrier said – and, it will offer new screens in first and business class.

The long-haul A350-900 jets will eventually have 42 Business Class and 24 Premium Economy seats, in line with today’s cabin configuration.

However, the long-haul flight will have four first class cabins, 70 business seats, and 58 seats in premium economy. Today’s ULR jets feature 67 business pods, and 94 premium seats.

Read more: Singapore KrisFlyer: The ultimate guide to earning, redeeming and special status

Bottom line

Don’t expect to see these new seats anytime soon.

Singapore expects its first A350 to enter service in mid-2026. Its first long-haul A350 with an upgraded cabin should arrive in service in early 2027, the carrier said. The airline hopes to complete the entire retrofit program by the end of 2030.

Singapore currently operates non-stop flights to the US from its hub at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to four US airports: JFK, Newark, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX ).

You can also catch Singapore’s fifth freedom flight from JFK to Frankfurt; from LAX to Narita Airport (NRT) in Tokyo; and – until April – from Houston to Manchester, England. The last service ends on April 1, when Singapore will completely exit the Houston market.

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